Otic disorders Flashcards
Cerumen impaction symptoms
-pressure/fullness in ear
-slow hearing loss
-tinnitus
-vertigo
-itching
-lowered tympanic membrane temperature(0.9 F)
-possible dull pain=XXX
True or False: If decreased hearing is experienced, 50% of the canal is obstructed by cerumen.
False. 80% obstructed
When not to self treat cerumen impaction
-bleeding/trauma
-can’t follow instructions
-health conditions of the ear
-ear surgery in prior XXX weeks
-infection
-less than XXX years old
-pain and ear discharge
-ruptured membrane
-Condition worsens
Non pharma cerumen impaction
-soften cerumen then irrigate with rubber bulb otic syringe
-wash with wet, soapy washcloth(nothing smaller than elbow in ear)
True or false: Using water/saline with ear syringing is often as effective as nonrx agents.
true
Otic bulb syringe pearls
-point nozzle at wall of ear canal
-Adults: pull helix up and back to straiten ear canal
OTC cerumen treatments
-carbamide peroxide 6.5% in anhydrous glycerin
-Hydrogen peroxide ear flush(DIY an low $$)
Carbamide peroxide MOA
-Carbamide: effervescence/mechanical loosening; weak antibacterial
-Glycerin: soften and penetrate wax to loosen it
Carbamide peroxide dosing
-5-10 drops for 15 minutes dwell time BID, max 4 days, water flush after
Hydrogen peroxide dosing
mix 1:1 solution warm water to 3% peroxide and use as ear flush/irrigation
water clogged ears symptoms
-wetness, fullness in ear, feels “uncomfortable”
-hearing loss, muffled sound
-vibration or sounds of small rocks
-can predispose to maceration(followed by itching, pain, and infection)
OTC treatments for water clogged ears
-95% isopropyl alcohol in anhydrous glycerin
-5% acetic acid in 95% isopropyl alcohol(DIY, low $$)
95% isopropyl alcohol dosing
4-5 drops in affected ear
5% acetic acid dosing
-mix equal parts 5% white vinegar with 95% isopropyl alcohol to yield 2.5% acetic acid solution
-4-5 drops
